The Victorian Parliament has passed the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill, which features more than 130 reforms designed to increase protections for renters, while ensuring those who provide rental housing have the tools they need to effectively manage their properties.

By the time this year’s Royal Melbourne Show starts on 22 September, Consumer Affairs Victoria inspectors will have examined 400 showbags containing more than 2,600 items including toys, sunglasses, cosmetics and novelty goods.

The Victorian Government has announced amendments to ensure estate agents who have followed their regulatory responsibilities in good faith and have legitimately performed work, are paid for that work.

Five Victorian building regulators are taking part in a joint inspection program across building, construction and demolition sites in the cities of Moreland, Hume, Whittlesea and Darebin, to check whether operators are complying with the law.